H for History

It’s easy to get the wrong idea about Henry VIII. Some see him as a Charles Laughton caricature, throwing chicken bones over his shoulder, changing wives and chopping off heads at a whim – or as a dangerously suggestible ‘great puppet’. The multiplicity of propagandist images of the mature King, which derive from Holbein’s ‘annihilating’ portrait, have overlaid all other perceptions the of younger, less embittered and tyrannical monarch. Henry was complex – you can’t just label him a monster, al…

Henry VIII always kept the feast of Christmas with ‘much nobleness and open court’. It was incumbent upon kings to dispense hospitality throughout the twelve days of the festival, and in Henry’s reign more than a thousand people dined at court during the Yuletide season, and an Italian visitor noted that on one occasion the guests remained at table for over seven hours. All meats were carried into the dining hall with ceremony; far from confirming to the chicken-throwing image of Henry VIII popu…

Here at H for History we are all big fans of William Shakespeare, and like to follow all the various conspiracy theories and renewed discussions of authorship. We are also incredibly lucky to publish exceptionally talented writers who deal with these issues in their brilliant historical novels. One of these is Rory Clements, whose award-winning historical crime series features William Shakespeare’s older brother, John, as an Elizabethan ‘Intelligencer’ who is tasked with taking down villains who…

About H for History

H for History is the historical fiction and non-fiction community from three fantastic publishers: Hodder & Stoughton, Headline and Quercus.

Here you will find news about our latest books, competitions and exclusive articles from our authors on a whole range of subjects, giving you every opportunity you need to satisfy your taste for the past.